Tinubu accused of using Niger coup as pretext to declare state of emergency, suspend election tribunal

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to capitalise on the coup in Niger and declare a state of emergency in Nigeria. Frank claims that the move is aimed at suspending the ongoing Presidential Election tribunal and legitimizing Tinubu’s election mandate in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank accused President Tinubu of using his position as ECOWAS chairman to gain political capital and secure international recognition for his administration, which has not been fully recognized by international bodies as duly elected. The former APC spokesperson cautioned that such a move could have severe consequences for Nigeria, leading to long-term economic, political, and social devastation.

Frank asserted that Tinubu’s alleged warmongering over Niger is not driven by a desire to restore democracy in the neighbouring country but is instead aimed at gaining recognition and legitimacy for his government from Western allies. He urged the President not to lead Nigeria into a war with Niger, emphasizing that Nigeria already faces enough challenges of its own.

“It is clear to discerning minds that Tinubu wants to find an alibi to declare war in Niger and, under that, declare a state of emergency in Nigeria, which will invariably lead to the suspension of the ongoing sitting of the Presidential Election tribunal,” Frank stated.

The ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East also accused ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments of not working to deepen democracy in the subregion by ensuring good governance. Frank criticized them for often remaining silent when Presidents illegally steal the people’s mandate through electoral fraud and manipulate constitutional provisions to extend their tenure in office.

While condemning the coup in Niger and expressing support for efforts to restore democratic governance in the country, Frank rejected Tinubu’s alleged moves to use the Niger coup as a pretext to overturn the ongoing court process meant to determine the actual winner of the February 25th, 2023 Presidential election.

Frank called on well-meaning Nigerians to dissuade Tinubu from leading the country into an unnecessary war, citing the potential heavy casualties on the armed forces and the proliferation of widows. He pointed out that former President Muhammadu Buhari never went to war during coups in other neighbouring countries, highlighting the implications of such actions.

“Why is Tinubu hellbent on going to war if not for self-preservation in office as President?” Frank questioned.